Kenyans to replace Kiwis in Pak, Aussie tri-series

Lahore: Australia will take part in the Limited Overs tri-nations series involving Pakistan but New Zealand has pulled out, a Pakistani official said on Thursday.

It was almost certain that the August 27-September 7 tournament would be played in Kenya rather than violence-wracked Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) newly appointed director, Chishty Mujahid, added. But while the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) had confirmed its participation, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chiefs had declined despite the likely change of venue, he said. "New Zealand Cricket Board has conveyed to us their inability to take part in the tri-nation series," Mujahid said. "It is very much likely that we will stage this tri-series in Kenya," he said. Kenya would take New Zealand's place if, as expected, the African country hosts the tournament. "ACB has given its confirmation and we might invite Kenya as the third team," Mujahid said. "In a way it's disappointing that New Zealand is not coming because Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand playing a One-day tournament is a great attraction," he added. The ACB is still debating whether to proceed with a three-Test tour of Pakistan in October, but for the moment the country appears off-limits to New Zealand.